For those consistently getting consistent ABV, what's your typical grind consistency, and tamp?
I use a BCG Medium plate and a SCS, so my material tends to be kinda fluffy. As far as my tamp, I've tried really light (just enough to keep it from falling out), to packed down a bit. My bowl is usually about 3/4 full as well. Temps are set to 390/400/410 (new settings), and I temp step through all three usually, with about 2 hits per setting. I've also played around with draw speed and how long I hold the button as well.
My abv always tends to be kinda green in the middle, and charred around the edges. Trying to figure out how to get more even ABV and extraction. However, I will say when I've stirred; I'm not getting anything else vapor-wise or taste-wise out of the "green" material, so it may still have all the good stuff stripped off anyway.
I’m using a NewVape Fine Grinder, I fill to around the air inlets in the bowl (or lower) and then apply a little extra pressure on top of the weight of the battery door to tamp it down, trying to only press once or twice in the same spot. It stays in place unless I shake it hard, but it’s not super tight.
I have had bowls that were pretty dark around the edges and light in the middle, and I think part of that was bad grind consistency and/or packing, but I think how you use the button may also make a real difference.
Here’s an example of a couple of draws as I time things:
Draw 1 (from cold, battery semi-low):
1. Press and hold button.
2. Count until at-temp vibration (8 in this example).
3. Count the same number (8) at the same speed without drawing.
4. Count the same number (8) again while drawing at a low-medium speed with the button still held.
5. Let go of the button and draw for twice as long (16). Reset buzz should come while drawing.
Draw 2:
Identical except:
2. If you reheat soon after the first draw, use the count from draw 1 (8), or at least ~1.5x the new count because it will usually be a lot shorter (maybe 6?).
4. The draw speed can be a little faster but I tend to stay in the medium range.
5. Continue drawing after letting go of the button for 2-3x as long as the count you’re using (16-24 in this example). This should give you a medium-large draw and avoid too much post-draw flower cooking.
Last draw of session:
Final change:
5. Draw for 3-4x the count, well past the cool-down vibration to help cool the chamber.
Alternatively you can just take another draw without pressing the button. You’ll probably get a little vapor but not much.
I’m not sure that I’ve nailed down the best possible way to use the FW7 and I think you could extend the ”drawing while holding the button” section if you want a larger hit, but I think this is a good starting point that will deliver medium-large hits from the second draw on.
I should note that I’ve only been using the 340 and 380 settings (1 and 2 default settings), starting at 340 and bumping it up 1/3-1/2 way through. 380+ from the start would deliver larger hits early on.
I don’t think the counting is really necessary either, just a way to roughly control the session as I get used to it. I’m sure I’ll stop counting once I’m consistently getting the results I want without having to think about it.
Oh, and for full battery sessions I’ve been setting the count more like 1.5x the first vibration gap. So like “Hold 1, 2, 3, 4, vibrate” means I go with a 6. Just sticking more in the 8 range may be fine too, but I figure if it’s heating up twice as fast it’s probably delivering more power throughout the draw too, so compressing the cycle a bit seems to work too.
I hope that helps someone, and if anyone improves on this formula please let us know!
This is the case I use. It fits the Firewood 7 really well and offers a lot of protection:
Hermitshell Hard EVA Travel Case Fits Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux.
Is this pocketable, or is it too bulky? I’d rather carry it with a case, but a significant part of its appeal is that I can keep it in my pocket.